by Katie Ashley
After parking the car, I grabbed my purse and headed inside. The Icehouse had come to Hayesville after my time in town. A lot of businesses had sprouted up during my absence. While it was styled in the same vein of a Taco Mac, it appeared more of the Southern staple of a honky tonk—pool tables, a bar, the potential for fist-fights, and parking lot sexcapades.
When I walked up to the hostess stand, a barely-twenty-one coed with a Hooters-esque uniform, asked, “Can I help you?”
“Yeah, I’m here to meet someone.”
“Peyton?”
“Yes.”
The hostess nodded. “He’s at the bar.”
Well, alrighty then. I’m not sure what that said for Tripp that he couldn’t wait for me in the lobby to arrive before he hit the booze. I hoped it was because he was nervous and not because he was a closeted alcoholic. Mind you, wasn’t it basic courtesy to meet a date at the door rather than expect them to find you? Maybe backwoods manners were different than city manners. Whatever. I’m here. Let’s get to this date to get Becca off my back.
As I walked towards the bar, my eyes scanned the occupants. There were a few couples along with a cluster of men watching ESPN. Finally, I spotted Tripp sitting at the end of the bar away from the crowd.
“Tripp?” I questioned.
He whirled around on the stool. After he did a quick head to toe appraisal of me, a megawatt smile curved on his lips. “Peyton. It’s so nice to meet you.”
Tripp thrust out his hand, and I shook it. He then motioned to the stool next to him. “Please. Have a seat.”
“Um, sure.” I would have much preferred getting a table or booth. Stop being such a hardass and go with the flow.
“What would you like to drink?”
“I’ll just take a vodka cranberry for the moment.”
He nodded before waving the bartender over. “Another Heineken for me and then a vodka cran for the lady.”
As the bartender went to fill my order, Tripp leaned in closer on his stool. “You know, your sister didn’t tell me how hot you were.”
Um, okay, Mr. Skeezy. “No. I don’t suppose she would have,” I answered diplomatically.
“I mean, she showed me a picture on her phone, but I really didn’t know if I could trust her. Especially after I couldn’t find anything much about you on social media.”
“I’m not much of a techie girl.”
He waggled his brows. “Or you like to keep your dirty secrets offline.”
Right. I now appreciated the fact it was just drinks and not dinner. Not to mention I had a feeling it was going to be a two or three drink night. Instead of worrying about staying sober, I would just call Becca so I could cuss her out in person for fixing me up with such a lowlife.
“How long have you been teaching?”
“Five years total, but this is my first year at Hayesville Elementary.”
I smiled. “Like I tell Becca all the time, teaching is such a noble profession, and I totally admire the job you guys do.”
“Yeah, I mainly went into education because I wanted summers off and to coach.”
I didn’t think Tripp’s statement would go on any motivational teaching posters. “So, you’re into sports?”
Tripp nodded. “I love them all, but I played baseball in college. I’m the new head baseball coach at the high school.”
“Good for you.”
“Thanks. I’m hoping some of the hags in the history department at the high school hurry up and retire so I can take one of their positions.”
Oh, you charmer, you. “Are you a history buff?”
“No. I just hate how whiny and needy the younger kids are.” Jesus, Becca, did you even speak five words to this moron?
“Uh, huh,” I replied before downing a huge gulp of my drink.”
“Enough about me. Becca said you’re back in town from Atlanta because you’re taking over as the town vet.”
“Yes, I am.”
His expression soured momentarily as he reached for his beer. “I honestly don’t know how you do it. I’ve never much cared for animals myself.”
What in the hell? What could have possibly been going through Becca’s mind to fix me up with someone who didn’t like animals? That was like the ultimate deal-breaker when it came to dating me. While being a vet was just my day job, there was also the fact I adored animals and questioned people who didn’t.
“You don’t like dogs or cats?”
“Not really. All the feeding and cleaning? It’s just too much to put up with.”
“Hmm, if you’re not up for taking care of a domestic animal, I bet you’re not down for having children, huh?” I teasingly asked.
His eyes bulged. “Who said anything about children?”
“Well, no one. I was just making a correlation between the two.”
“That’s a fucking huge leap to make not to mention a major assumption to make about someone.” Before I could argue that my intent hadn’t been bad, he reached for his wallet and fished out a twenty. After tossing it onto to the bar, he rose off his stool. “I think it’s best for both of us if I go ahead and bounce. Have a lovely evening.”
And with that, he stormed off, leaving me staring open-mouthed at his retreating form. I blinked a few times while fighting the urge to pinch myself to see if it had all been a dream. “What the fuck just happened here?” I muttered under my breath.
“A total prick,” the bartender answered.
“You can say that again.”
It took a few seconds to recover from the ridiculousness. Shaking my head, I reached into my purse to dig out my phone. After I dialed Becca, she answered on the third ring. “You are so dead,” I pronounced.
“Wait, what? Why are you calling me on your date?”
“I’m not on a date anymore because he just stormed out of here, which was probably a good thing considering it was the worst date humanly possible.”
“Was he really that bad?”
“Becca, I love you dearly, but I’m not sure how you managed to so cluelessly fix me up with an animal loathing narcissistic douchebag!”
“Seriously? He’s always so nice at school.”
“Um, hello, narcissists have the innate sensibility to always deceive people.”
“Are you trying to say I’m easily manipulated?”
“It’s more like Tripp is very good at what he does.”
“All my teacher buddies thought he would be such a good fit with you.”
“Last thing I’m going to say about it is sleep with one eye open, little sis
“Ugh. I’m sorry it was that bad. Anthony has a fellow cop he’d loved to fix you up with.”
“Nope. Nada. Ain’t happening. No more fix-ups. When I’m ready to date, I’ll find someone myself.”
“Fine. But you’re missing out.”
“I’m willing to take that chance.”
“Where are you now?”
“I’m still at the bar finishing my vodka cranberry. The one I’m paying for myself because my shitty fix-up only paid for his before he left.”
“No way. He didn’t even pay for your drink?”
“Oh, I’m sure he would say it’s my fault because I dared to bring up the c-word. Children.”
“Well, he’s not getting any more of my breakfast casserole at the weekly potluck.”
“That’s right, sis. Hit em’ where it hurts.”
Becca laughed. “Hey now, you seriously underestimate the jackass’s love of my casserole.”
“The hash brown one or the spinach and egg one?”
“The spinach and egg.”
“Yeah, that one is really good.” The bartender came over and raised his brows at my almost empty drink. “No. I’m good, thanks,” I told him.
“I should let you go and enjoy your drink. Maybe take a look around.”
Groaning, I replied, “I know exactly where you were going with that statement.”
“Can’t blame me for trying.”
�
��Good night, Becca.”
“Night, Peyton.”
After I ended the call, I picked up my glass. I’d just taken a swig when the sound of bellowing cheers caused me to almost fall off my stool. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw a group of men coming in from the poolroom. Their jovial expressions and celebratory nature made me think they were all together for a bachelor party.
When I turned back around, I waved the bartender over for my check. “I better get out of here before things get too crazy with the Bachelor Party.”
“Actually, it’s a divorce party.”
“A what?”
“One of the guy’s divorce was final today, so they’re partying.”
I rolled my eyes. Leave it to men to have to celebrate the severing of the old ball and chain. After paying my bill, I hopped off the stool. I threw one last wary group at crowd of thirty-something men. And then my heart stopped.
It was Declan.
Chapter Fifteen
Christ almighty, could this night get any worse? Declan must’ve felt someone looking at him because he swept his gaze up and met mine. A warm smile curved on his lips before he threw up his hand in greeting. As I waved back, I debated whether I should walk over to speak to him. Before I could make the decision, he came to me.
“Good evening, Dr. Beasley.”
“Good evening to you.”
Sweeping his arm towards the bar, he asked, “May I buy you a drink?”
“That’s very kind of you, but I think I’m the one who owes you a drink.” I jerked my chin at the group he had just left. “Especially since you’re here to celebrate.”
“Yes. Bailey finally signed the divorce papers.”
“I assume congratulations are in order since you’re now a free man.”
He grinned. “Yes, I am. Well, as free as one can be who has full custody of a four-year-old.”
“But that’s what you wanted, right? I mean, it’s the best thing for you and for Cam.”
“Yes, it is. Of course, I didn’t want any of this for him, but I’m glad to know I’m the one calling the shots from now on out so I can make sure he’s put first and everything is in his best interests.”
“I’m sure you will do an amazing job.”
“Really?”
Nodding, I replied, “I know I’m not a parent yet, but I can tell a good one when I see one.” I smiled at Declan. “He’s very lucky to have such a devoted dad.”
Declan’s jaw clenched and unclenched before he responded. “That means a lot.”
“You’re welcome.”
Wanting a subject change, Declan asked, “What are you doing here?”
With a roll of my eyes, I replied, “Finishing up a blind date that will go down as the Top Five worst dates I’ve ever had.”
“Damn. That sucks.”
“You have no idea.”
“Who was it?”
“Tripp Neighbors.”
Declan winced. “You’re joking, right?”
“Unfortunately not.”
“Why in hell would you want to go out with a douchebag like that?”
“I didn’t. My sister, who I will be maiming later this evening, fixed us up.”
With a shake of his head, Declan replied, “He’s been living here probably five months, and he’s already managed to make a name for himself.”
“Apparently, Becca didn’t get that memo.”
“Oh, I’m sure she didn’t. Neighbors is one of those smooth-talking pricks who snows most women. All the teachers at the school just worship him. I guess I should say all the female teachers. All the men know what he is.”
“Women can be so stupid,” I grumbled.
Declan laughed. “I would have to agree with that one.” Winking, he added, “Present company excluded.”
“Why thank you,” I replied with a smile.
“So that the evening isn’t a total loss, why don’t you join us?”
My mouth dropped open in surprise. “You’re inviting me to your divorce party?”
“Sure.”
Glancing past him, I eyed the men in his group. “Somehow I don’t think my presence would be appreciated.” I gave him a pointed look. “It appears to be a dude thing.”
“While it is predominantly male, it is my party, and I can invite who I fucking want.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
“You’ll get to see a few of the old crew.”
I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to see any of them, nor would they be overjoyed to see me. The guys who were part of our crew were the same guys who were going to be groomsmen in our wedding. “Who is it?”
“Steve and Dustin. Josh said he might drop by later.”
“Yeah, I haven’t seen them in forever.”
After throwing a quick glance at the group, Declan said, “I think they’re the only one you’d know. The other guys are friends from work.”
“Not Hayesville peeps, huh?”
Chuckling, Declan replied, “No, they’re from Adairsville.”
“I see.”
After taking me by the arm, Declan led me over to the men. “Hey guys, is it okay if someone else joins us?” Declan asked while I held my breath. When a riotous cheer went up over the crowd, I started to breathe again.
“She’s not here for entertainment, is she?” a lanky guy asked while wagging his brows.
I gasped in horror as Declan’s expression turned stormy. “Hell no. Why would you even suggest that?”
Lanky Guy shrugged. “It’s a divorce party. I thought we might be celebrating with a stripper.”
“This is the Ice House, not the Pink Pony,” Declan argued.
Motioning to my attire, I replied, “Correct if I’m wrong, but do strippers usually wear this much clothing.”
“Just more to take to off.”
Turning to me, Declan said, “Ignore him.”
“Will do.”
A ripped guy with a shiny bald head jerked his chin at me. “Welcome to the party. I don’t think I caught your name.”
“I’m Peyton.” At the admission of my name, silence echoed back at me. With all eyes on me, I shifted on my feet. I was starting to feel like Tripp wasn’t going to be the worst thing about this evening.
Snorting, one of the other guys said, “Holy shit, dude. What are the odds you’d find another girl with the same name as your ex?”
Someone groaned while another guy said, “That is Peyton, you dumbfuck.
“Oh,” he murmured.
“Guess my reputation proceeds me, huh?” I quipped.
“It’s nothing bad about you, I promise,” Declan replied.
Smiling warmly, Baldy said, “Fuck no. We’re all aware of what a giant prick he was to leave you on your wedding day.”
The other guys all nodded in agreement, which caused nervous laughter to bubble from my lips. “Good to know.”
Shifting on his feet, Declan said, “Right. Why don’t I introduce you guys now?”
“Sounds great.”
Lanky Guy was actually Bryan, and he was a mortgage specialist who worked with Declan on some of his business project. Baldy was Neil, and he and Declan had met through an Equestrian club. I tried keeping up as he rattled off the rest of the names.
“And these two jokers need no introduction,” Declan said as Steve and Dustin started coming towards us.
It was hard to remember a time when I hadn’t known Steve Pappasian or Dustin Jones. We went all the way back to elementary school. When I started dating Declan, we’d shared the same lunch tables and hung out together almost every weekend. Dustin was the strong, silent type who had been a tight-end on the football team while Steve was the jokester who was always getting in trouble in class.
At the sight of me, their jovial expressions momentarily faltered. I could always see the WHAT THE FUCK blaring in their minds. But they quickly recovered to plaster on welcoming smiles. “Peyton, I didn’t think we’d be seeing you here,” Steve said as he reached over to hug me rat
her than shaking my hand.
“Neither did I.” At his furrowed brows, I replied, “I just escaped a hideous fix-up.”
Steve winced. “Those are the worst.”
Not the touchy-feeling type, Dustin merely patted my upper arm in hello.
“Give me a minute to grab a drink, and then I want to hear what you’ve been up to the last ten years,” Steve said.
“Um, okay.”
“Can I get you anything?” Dustin asked.
“No, thanks. I’m good.”
“Another club soda for you, D?” Steve asked.
When Declan nodded, I guess I couldn’t hide my surprise because Declan asked, “What?”
“I’m sorry. I thought you were celebrating.”
“I am.”
“Then why are you not drinking?”
“I gave it up a long time ago.”
Shock reverberated through me. Back in the day, Declan had been known to put more than just a few beers away. He was the first person I ever got drunk with “You really don’t drink anymore?”
“Nope. Not a drop.”
“Then why the hell are you celebrating your divorce in a bar?”
Declan chuckled. “That’s because of the crew. I was planning on spending tonight at home, watching crime dramas on Netflix after Cam went to bed, but they dragged me out.”
“Okay, I know it’s really none of my business, but I have to ask. Is it because of Cam you stopped drinking?”
“Actually, I quit because of what happened between the two of us.”
The room began to spin slightly, and I had to fight to keep myself upright. It was almost unfathomable that I had somehow had a hand in him making such a monumental decision. “You did?”
He nodded. “I was drinking way too much in those days. I realized it probably attributed to my lack of good decision making. So, I walked away.”
“Wow…I don’t know what to say.”
“Congratulations is always nice,” he replied with a wink.
A nervous laugh bubbled from my lips. “You’re certainly to be praised for having the strength to give up a vice like alcohol. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it’s been dealing with all the divorce stress without drowning your sorrows.”
“I won’t lie that it’s been hell. I find myself at the gym a hell of a lot more than I used to. Not only am I not drinking, but I’m in the best shape I’ve been since high school.”
